GitHub Electron Review

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Review of GitHub Electron powered by the Slant community.

In a lot of ways it's like creating a web application. However, it runs on the user's desktop. Read Why not to build an Electron App.

SpecsUpdate

PlatformsWindows, Linux, Mac

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What are the best tools for making a cross-platform application?

Pros

Pro
Relatively low barrier to entry

No need to learn native UI APIs for multiple platforms.

Pro
Has a built in packager which allows you to package web apps

the electron packager tool allows you to package your web app for any target platform that you desire, as long as you provide the correct information.

Cons

Con
Looks and feels like an alien

Con
Microsoft

Developed by Microsoft-owned Github

Con
Extra effort may be required to make things look native on each platform

Con
Mobile platforms not supported

According to documentation only Windows, Linux and Mac are supported, no mobile platforms.

Con
Heavyweight

Requires a bit of system memory, and makes applications bulky due to the fact that all your web apps made in electron work in a NodeJS Shell that is basically a web browser displaying your app.